Join us at the State Capitol on Feb. 20 for “Common-sense Solutions for Wisconsin,” a symposium featuring distinguished experts discussing the ideal tax structure for Wisconsin, proven criminal justice policy reforms, the costs of occupational licensing and alternative approaches for funding our highways.

When law enforcement and ex-offenders come together, good things can happen. Partners in Hope is a Milwaukee prisoner reentry program where cops, federal agents and prosecutors (among others) offer training, mentorship and friendship to people returning from prison or jail. The result is changed perspectives and transformed lives on both sides.

What's new from the Badger Institute

Almost a third of the money in many state government budgets now comes directly from Washington, D.C. But why are federal taxpayers paying for Wisconsin’s bike paths? By Mike Nichols and Dan Benson, published in The Federalist.

Imagine a prisoner reentry program where the mentors include an FBI agent and a former federal prosecutor. Or a graduation ceremony where ex-offenders are encouraged, cheered and hugged not just by family and friends but by police officers, prison officials and judges. Imagine what could happen if the law enforcement community partnered with nonprofit organizations and employers to increase the likelihood of successful transition back to the community, breaking the cycle of incarceration. This video tells the story of Partners in Hope, a new reentry program in Milwaukee that has made this vision a reality.

Report provides an overview of labor force participation in Wisconsin. Increasing the rate by just 1 percentage point would increase state GDP by $667 annually per resident. By Badger Institute visiting fellows Ike Brannon and Andrew Hanson.

An interactive map shows the labor force participation rate for every Wisconsin county. Washington County enjoys the highest participation rate (74.8%), while Adams County has the lowest rate (48.6%). View the map here.

Madison — Barbers, cosmetologists and other beauty professionals will now be able to practice their professions with fewer regulatory burdens after Gov. Scott Walker signed into law reforms that will reduce complicated and costly licensing requirements. Read more here.

Read our report, “Government’s love for licensure,” which tells the real-world stories of Wisconsinites stymied by the state's burdensome licensure system. Reforms signed into law remove some of the regulations highlighted in the report.

The Badger Institute also profiled business people and entrepreneurs hampered by Wisconsin's licensure rules:

Albert Walker, an ex-offender whose clients include many Packers players, has years of barbering experience but, until recently passed reforms, couldn't run his own shop due to onerous state licensing regulations. Watch video of Albert Walker. Read his story.

UW-Madison students Samuel Haack and James Rohde want to launch an on-demand barbering business to connect clients with barbers off premises. But Wisconsin's professional licensing regulations stood in their way. Read their story.